Learn more about Screenplay Systems, Inc. Dramatica Home Page

storysupportrave reviewsproductssitemap
 
What is Dramatica?
Dramatica Theory Book
Dramatica Dictionary
Tip of the Month
12 Essential Questions
Theory FAQs
Additional Materials  
Contact Us
 

Dramatica Theory Book

Chapter 31: Storytelling and Encoding Plot (Continued)

Previous [1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9]  Next

Now that we know the names of the Signposts in our Objective Story, it is time to describe the kinds of Journeys that will take place on the road between them.

Example:

In our example, the three Journeys are:

Topic 1. Learning -----> Topic 2. Understanding
Topic 2. Understanding -----> Topic 3. Doing
Topic 3. Doing -----> Topic 4. Obtaining.

For a hypothetical story, we might then encode each Signpost and Journey as follows:

SIGNPOST #1

Type 1. Learning

Our characters Learn that a number of robberies have occurred involving diamonds.

JOURNEY #1

Type 1. Learning------> Type 2. Understanding

As our characters Learn about the robberies that have occurred, they become aware of similarities in the crimes. Eventually, the similarities are too much to be coincidental.

SIGNPOST #2

Type 2. Understanding

Our characters arrive at the Understanding that there is one multi-national consortium involved in the heists.

JOURNEY #2

Type 2. Understanding ------> Type 3. Doing

The more our characters Understand about the consortium, the more they are able to figure out which smaller organizations are involved, as well as the names of specific individuals. Eventually, the characters Understand enough of the organization of the consortium to try and put someone on the inside.

SIGNPOST #3

Type 3. Doing

Our characters track down and infiltrate the consortium.

JOURNEY #3

Type 3. Doing ------> Type 4. Obtaining

Our characters get in tighter and tighter with the consortium until they are finally trusted enough to be employed in heist. Through a series of dangerous maneuvers, our characters are able to get word of the heist back to their organization, who alert the authorities.

SIGNPOST #4

Type 4 . Obtaining

Our characters retrieve the stolen diamonds.

As you can see, the Signposts outline the direction events will take. The Journeys help bring them to life.

Previous [1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9]  Next

 

 

Copyright © 1994-2006 Write Brothers, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Based on theories and materials developed by Melanie Anne Phillips and Chris Huntley
Dramatica is a registered trademark of Screenplay Systems Incorporated. Patent #5,734,916; #6,105,046